Cancún’s ‘Burning of Bad Mood’ Kicks Off 2026 Carnival with Ritual and Parade

Cancún, Mexico — Cancún’s 2026 Carnival will officially begin on February 12 with the traditional “Burning of Bad Mood” ritual, a decades-old tradition that draws tourists and generates significant economic activity for the municipality.

The event starts at 7:00 p.m. at Plaza de la Reforma, where a giant flammable effigy representing negative energy, sorrows, and bad moods will be burned in a symbolic cleansing ritual. Following the burning, a parade will proceed from the plaza to Parque de Las Palapas.

The ritual aims to clear negative energy before the Carnival festivities begin, promoting community unity and joyful celebration. For visitors and newcomers to Quintana Roo, the tradition involves burning a large doll made of flammable materials that symbolizes everything negative happening in people’s lives, making way for happiness during the subsequent celebrations.

2026 Carnival Schedule

The Burning of Bad Mood marks just the beginning of six days of Carnival activities celebrating Caribbean identity, music, and Mayan traditions. The complete schedule includes:

• Thursday, February 12: 7:00 p.m. – Burning of Bad Mood ritual at Parque de las Palapas
• Friday, February 13: 5:00 p.m. – Parade of comparsas and kings at Parque de las Palapas; 8:00 p.m. – La Adictiva concert at Malecón Tajamar
• Saturday, February 14: 5:00 p.m. – Parade and comparsas competition at Parque de las Palapas; 10:00 p.m. – Corpusklan, Emerald Band, and local talent concert at Malecón Tajamar
• Sunday, February 15: 5:00 p.m. – Cultural and family activities at Parque de las Palapas; 10:00 p.m. – Bronco concert at Malecón Tajamar
• Monday, February 16: 5:00 p.m. – Presentation of Queens and Kings at Parque de las Palapas; 10:00 p.m. – María José concert at Malecón Tajamar
• Tuesday, February 17: 5:00 p.m. – Grand closing parade at Av. Bonampak/Tulum; 10:00 p.m. – Banda MS concert at Estadio Beto Ávila

The Carnival runs from February 12-17 in Benito Juárez municipality, featuring free concerts, parades, shows, cultural exhibitions, and traditional crafts and food sales that highlight the region’s Mayan heritage.